Bariatric Services Links:
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Pathway to Surgery
The decision to undergo surgery to control obesity should be considered very
carefully and should only be chosen after all other options for weight control
are exhausted. These procedures involve major surgery and you must consider the
risks and complications as well as the benefits. Your goal should be to lose 100%
of your excess weight and keep that weight off for life-and to live a healthier
and longer life.
Success after surgery depends on you, the patient. Your participation is
required to optimize weight control and maintain nutritional health. Your
cooperation in our evaluation process will also make it easier for us to
schedule your surgery as soon as possible. Your commitment to a new, healthier
lifestyle is the key that will enable you to lose your excess weight and keep it
off for life!
Getting Started - Submitting Your New Patient Packet
The pathway to surgery at Medical Center Bariatric
Center is easy. If you’ve determined you may be a good candidate for weight loss
surgery, call our office at (432) 640-3550 to request a copy by mail, or simply
click here for our new patient packet. The
new patient packet contains detailed instructions on how to proceed, including a
checklist with everything you need to know to get started.
*Please
call 432-640-3550 to verify insurance coverage prior to completing and mailing
information packet*
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Follow the new patient checklist to find out how to
confirm your insurance coverage and submit your new patient packet and support
documentation. After we receive your packet and documentation, we will contact
you by phone or email to set up your consultation. If you provide your email address in the
packet, you are giving us permission to contact you via this method.
During the consultation you will meet with
Dr. Donald Davenport to discuss your surgery
options. During your first visit, we will cover all aspects of our surgical
program, patient follow-up and support programs. This will include a detailed
explanation of the Gastric Bypass procedure. Also, visit Dr. Davenport's
website at
www.odessaweightloss.com
and the Lap-Band website at
www.lapband.com.
New patient consultations usually range from 45 minutes to one hour long and you
need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. All
appointments will be at Dr. Donald Davenport's office in the Wheatley Stewart
Medical Pavilion.
Click here for Map to the Wheatley Stewart Medical Pavilion
At your initial consultation, we will review
your health and history form with you, and perform a complete physical
examination.
You’ll also learn what you can expect from us as the medical staff and what we
expect from you as a patient. Patients are encouraged to bring a family member
or friend, and to ask questions. Children usually do not enjoy doctor’s office
visits and for these lengthy appointments it would best to make other
arrangements.
We appreciate your patience during the pre-surgical evaluation process. At
Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, your health and safety is our primary
concern. By being dedicated to completing the process, you can help us schedule
the surgery at your earliest convenience.
Preparation for Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a major decision and it is perfectly normal to
be nervous before your procedure. The best preparation is to understand
everything you can about the surgery—including potential benefits and potential
risks. At the Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, we are committed to
helping you achieve your weight loss goals and educating you about the path to
success.
Now is the time to get motivated for your life-changing experience. You must be
committed to change - both physically and emotionally. But you don’t have to do
it alone. At Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic, we are committed to
supporting you in your new life. The following are some successful strategies to
help prepare you for surgery:
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Find Strength and Support From Others
Talk to people who have had the procedure. We can put you in contact with
patients who have had surgery at Medical Center Hospital and other hospitals
across the country. You will also be required to attend our monthly support
meeting at Medical Center Hospital Bariatric Clinic before your surgery. You
are welcome to watch and listen or may ask any question that may come to mind.
We will give you written instructions on how to join this group during your
initial consultation.
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Write Down Your Thoughts and Feelings
Some patients find it helpful to start a journal about their experience.
Record how you feel before and after surgery and any obstacles you encounter.
Identify your goals in terms of weight loss, new hobbies, activities, and
social goals.
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Reach Out To Family and Friends
Patients often have a hard time deciding whether to tell their friends and
family about their decision to have surgery. Sometimes they may feel - and
rightly so - that your family and friends won’t be supportive. Even when friends
or family have negative things to say about your decision, we believe you have
the best chance of enlisting their full support by sharing your decision with
them, by educating them about the surgery and what it can accomplish.
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Establish a Healthy Lifestyle Before
Surgery
In the weeks before surgery, try to increase your exercise and improve
your diet as much as possible. This can greatly improve your ability to
achieve successful long-term weight loss.
Once your surgery date is set, we will
schedule dates 2-3 weeks prior to surgery for your pre-operative patient
education seminar. Your day long training session will include the following
seminars:
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General lecture about Life after Weight
Loss Surgery
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Dietary consult
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Exercise consult with customized program
designed for you
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Various hospital staff you will encounter
during your stay, such as respiratory technician, operating room staff,
nursing staff, and spiritual support
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